Daily Mirror - Sri Lanka - May 21, 2025

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In this issue

May 21, 2025

PARLIAMENT, INDEPENDENCE SQUARE AND PRESIDENTIAL SECRETARIAT

BUILDINGS DECLARED IN NEED OF URGENT REPAIR

2 mins

TEDxColombo Celebrating the Power of 'MAD' ideas

TEDxColombo, one of the most prominent and long-standing TEDx events in Sri Lanka, proudly announces the 13th edition of its flagship event, scheduled for Sunday, June 1st, 2025, at the iconic Nelum Pokuna Theatre.

2 mins

Appointment of new Auditor General Final decision to be made today

The Constitutional Council which met yesterday to approve the appointment of the new Auditor General has decided to meet today once again to make the final decision, Daily Mirror learnt from reliable sources.

1 min

Three more SL passengers from Thailand nabbed with Rs.120Mn worth of drugs

Making yet another detection of the Cannabis variety 'Kush' in a row in the past few weeks Sri Lanka Customs manning the airport yesterday thwarted an attempt to smuggle a consignment of narcotics from Thailand worth over Rs. 120 million by three local women.

1 min

Prison officers, driver suspended for allowing inmate's family on prison bus

Two prison officers and a prison bus driver attached to the Angunakolapelessa Prison have been suspended in connection with an incident where an inmate and his family members were found in a prison bus parked outside Weligama town, Prison Media Spokesperson Gamini B. Dissanayake said.

1 min

COPE FLAGS UNPAID MEDICAL BILLS AND ADMINISTRATIVE LAPSES AT SRI JAYEWARDENEPURA HOSPITAL

Recommends that a formal inquiry be conducted into these administrative failings, with disciplinary action pursued against officials found to have neglected their duties

1 min

Keheliya's son named suspect in Rs. 8M misappropriation case

KEHELIYA FURTHER REMANDED

1 min

Wild elephant run over

Increasing the death toll of wild elephants in the human-elephant conflict, another jumbo had been run over by a train at Habarana on the Batticaloa line in the early hours of last morning.

1 min

TAFE Honours Browns' 150th Anniversary: A Partnership Cultivating Progress and Innovation in Agriculture

Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited (TAFE), one of the largest tractor manufacturers in the world, extends its warmest congratulations to Brown and Company PLC, its longtime partner in Sri Lanka, on the milestone occasion of their 150th anniversary.

1 min

How Sri Lanka's public transport sector crashed!

Despite repeated revelations of importing lorry chassis for public transport, successive governments have turned a blind eye to this issue, reportedly in place of obtaining financial gains.

9 mins

WISHES BLOOM HERE

MAKE-A-WISH SRI LANKA, POWERED BY THE INDIRA CANCER TRUST BRINGS TRANSFORMATIVE WISHES A REALITY TO CRITICALLY ILL CHILDREN

3 mins

Lankan leaders -thy name is hypocrisy

My, my, my, our dear friend and president AKD for shortafter much huffing and puffing did put in an appearance at the government-sponsored National Heroes Commemoration Ceremony (NHCC) on Monday.

2 mins

CASE FOR USE OF AIR POWER

IN COUNTER INSURGENCY OPERATIONS

6 mins

Celebrating the life and works of Louis Benedict

A service and Holy Mass celebrating the life and work of veteran journalist, patients' rights and Charismatic Renewal Movement activist -- and Old Ben -- Louis Benedict at 6.30 pm on Friday May 23, 2025 at St. Benedict's College Auditorium, Colombo 13.

1 min

Brawl victims pose a problem to plastic surgery unit

Health authorities have expressed concern that the cost and burden of re-joining limbs seperated from the body in brawls is happening at the cost of accident victims.

2 mins

WOMAN DANCER BREAKS INTO MALE DOMAIN OF DEMON DANCING

Niladhari, but he was a famous devil dancer as well,” said Tharangika.

2 mins

HEALTH THREAT

Each cup of your favourite tea may contain billions of microplastic and nano plastic particles, potentially posing risks to your health. Discover the impact of these hidden contaminants and explore effective ways to minimise your exposure.

4 mins

Guangzhou, Galle partner to boost heritage tourism

China and Sri Lanka have stepped up bilateral cooperation in heritage-led tourism and cultural economy development, leveraging their historic trade links along the Maritime Silk Road to unlock new economic and diplomatic opportunities.

2 mins

Labour Department closes for maintenance

The Labour Department has announced that several of its services, including the payment of funds to its members, will be temporarily suspended for three days starting today.

1 min

Low-income earners' tax burden to be eased

In an effort to cushion low-income earners from the unintended impact of recent tax amendments, Sri Lanka is set to introduce a self-declaration system that will allow individuals earning below the tax-free threshold to be exempted from the revised 10 percent retention tax on interest income.

1 min

Tea production on recovery path with April output up by nearly 5 mn kgs

The tea industry showed renewed momentum in April 2025, with monthly production reaching 26.39 million kilograms, marking a year-on-year increase of 4.93 million kgs from 21.46 million kgs recorded in April 2024, official data showed.

1 min

Teejay Lanka 4Q profits propelled by stable yarn prices and favourable product mix

Teejay Lanka PLC, the knit fabric maker for the global apparel makers reported some solid top and bottom-line performance for the three months ended in March 2025 while the broadly stable yarn prices, the company’s key raw material, helped the company to report higher profits.

1 min

IBM gives thumbs up for Sri Lanka's digital push

Global technology giant IBM yesterday gave thumbs up for Sri Lanka's efforts in digital transformation while implying the country has the right foundation to achieve its ambitions under the Digital Economy Strategy 2030.

2 mins

Foreign buying for 3rd consecutive day

Indices closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Hatton National Bank, Sampath Bank and LOLC Holdings with the turnover crossing Rs. 1.5 bn.

1 min

Yield curve remains stable amidst measured activity

The secondary market continued to reflect a mixed sentiment among participants during yesterday’s trading session, echoing the mixed sentiment observed the day before. Trading volumes remained moderate, while the yield curve remained broadly unchanged.

1 min

Emirates-Dilmah celebrate 33 years together and 33mn cups of tea served

► EMIRATES PASSENGERS TO RECEIVE COMMEMORATIVE GIFT WHEN TRAVELLING ON INTERNATIONAL TEA DAY

1 min

HNB powers strategic automotive leasing partnership with United Motors

HNB announced a strategic partnership with United Motors Lanka PLC (UML) to enhance leasing facilities for Mitsubishi and FUSO vehicles, further expanding access to reliable transportation for individual and business customers.

1 min

ISB pricing volatile on Trump tariffs but SL debt reform boosts outlook: CAM

Sri Lanka’s international sovereign bond (ISB) prices were sensitive to global market volatility sparked by US President Donald Trump’s tariff announcement, according to market participants, adding pressure to an otherwise improving credit outlook.

1 min

ESOFT'S ESU set to boost SL's higher education quality

MARKS 25-YEAR MILESTONE IN SL'S EDUCATION LANDSCAPE LAUCHES ESOFT UNI INKS MOU WITH SCHOOLNET INDIA

2 mins

Vanithabhimana 2025 opens applications for corporate sector competition

NDB Bank announced the commencement of applications for the corporate sector competition of Sri Lanka Vanithabhimana 2025, the nation’s most distinguished platform dedicated to honouring and empowering exceptional women.

1 min

Sysco LABS recognised as a Company with Great Agile Leaders

Sysco LABS has been recognised as a Company with Agile Leaders at the inaugural Great Agile Leaders Awards 2025, organised by the Colombo Leadership Academy.

1 min

TIIKM wins Silver at SLIM SME Development Awards

The International Institute of Knowledge Management (TIIKM), a Sri Lankan-born powerhouse in global knowledge facilitation and academic innovation, secured the Silver award in the Service Category, at the prestigious SLIM SME Development Awards (SMEDA) 2025, held recently by the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM).

1 min

Spa Ceylon clinches coveted global win in UK

WINS AWARD FOR NEW PERSONAL CARE PRODUCT AT NATURAL AND ORGANIC BEAUTY INNOVATION AWARDS 2025 LAUNCHES NEW-TECH INFUSED SEAVEDA AND FORESTVEDA WELLNESS COLLECTIONS

1 min

Uber Eats expands to Anuradhapura

Uber Eats is now available in Anuradhapura.

1 min

HNB Assurance launches 24-hour call centre

HNB Assurance PLC has launched a 24-hour call centre, enabling the policyholders to connect with the company on all matters related to customer service at any time, from anywhere, using the short code 1301.

1 min

Great Place To Work Sri Lanka unveils Regional Conference 2025

Great Place To Work Sri Lanka unveiled its flagship Regional Conference 2025, set to take place on September 23, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at Grand Ballroom, Hilton Colombo.

1 min

EDB meets SL's newly appointed heads of missions

STRENGTHENS DIPLOMATIC ENGAGEMENT FOR EXPORT GROWTH

2 mins

"YOU CAN'T WIN FINALS WITH ONE STAR'

Veteran rugby figure Tikiri Marambe, a former Sri Lanka captain and national selection committee chairman, offered a measured and insightful view of the recently concluded Dialog Schools Rugby League final between Trinity College and Isipathana College while also sharing his thoughts on the broader state of rugby in Sri Lanka.

3 mins

Win for Kandy Zone 2

Kandy Zone 2 beat Trincomalee by three runs in their Under-19 Provincial Youth League Cricket Tournament Central and Eastern Province

1 min

Shemal Fernando cleared by Court of Appeal

The Director General of Sports, Professor (Rear Admiral) Shemal Fernando was cleared by the Court of Appeal yesterday from the allegations of Contempt of Court.

1 min

Six players book berths to quarters

The second-round fixtures of the Men's and Women’s Tournament of the Government Servants Tennis Club (GSTC) Tennis Tournament were completed at the GSTC Courts in Colombo yesterday.

1 min

Mercantile NA lift Sri Lions' netball crown

The Mercantile Netball Association (MNA) Team won the champions title at the second Sri Lions Sports Club Trophy Invitation League Netball Tournament 2025 held at the St. Joseph's College Indoor Stadium in Colombo.

1 min

Cinnamon Hotels emerge TTSC shuttle champs

Cinnamon Hotels Management emerged as the new champions as they clinched the team badminton tournament beating Aitken

1 min

YOUTH BOXERS BOW OUT CLAIMING 3 MORE MEDALS

Sri Lanka added three more to their growing medal tally after three youth contenders bowed out on day eight of the ASBC Asian Under-22 and Youth Boxing Championships at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium yesterday.

1 min

Inthi poised to take over as Director of Rugby

Former Trinity College Rugby Lion, Kandy SC, and national 7s and XVs player, Inthi Marikar, is tipped to be appointed as the Director of Rugby for the national team.

1 min

CHATHURIKA WICKRAMASINGHE

The Voice of a Woman Driving Tech Forward Managing Director, Adventa Holdings

6 mins

MEDITATION 24/7

It's not just a Morning Routine Anymore

3 mins

New 'Frankenstein' will be no horror flick, Del Toro says

Triple Oscar winning director Guillermo del Toro said his new version of \"Frankenstein\" will not be a horror film, but will instead pack a high-voltage emotional punch.

1 min

Top Ten Finalists Unveiled for Chokolaate MDFD

Celebrating 15 Years of Fashion, Vision and Empowerment

2 mins

The World Needs a Father- And So Does Your Family

\"Virtually every major social pathology has been linked to fatherlessness—violent crime, drug and alcohol abuse, teen pregnancy, suicide—all correlate more strongly to fatherlessness than to any other single factor.

2 mins

SHANGRI-LA HAMBANTOTA

Nine years of execellnce

3 mins

FLORAL ART COMES ALIVE AT Shi-en Ikebana & Floral Art Society

Flower enthusiasts and art lovers alike are in for a treat as three internal floral demonstrators and members from the Shi-en Ikebana & Floral Art Society will showcase their creative flair in an exhibition and special demonstration.

1 min

WILD COOKBOOK

Behind the viral TikToks, the smoky jungle grills, and the clay pots bubbling with spice, there's a young man who's not just cooking-he's storytelling.

2 mins

Toymakers were around 4,500 years ago: study

Toymakers have been around far longer than many people realise, a Danish researcher told AFP Friday afer the discovery of 19 ancient rattles some dating back at least 4,500 years.

1 min

A Michelin-Starred Celebration of French Gastronomy

L'Expérience Française, a three-day fine dining showcase held from May 16th to 18th, 2025 at 1864 Limited Edition, brought the heart of French culinary artistry to Colombo in an unforgettable collaboration with Michelin-starred Chef Serge Chenet.

1 min

POSTPARTUM WELLNESS...

Momager, Sri Lanka's first dedicated postpartum wellness service for mothers, celebrates five transformative years of revolutionizing postpartum care through traditional benkung binding techniques and holistic recovery approaches.

2 mins

SUNSHINE HOLDINGS' TEA JOURNEY:

FUELING SRI LANKA'S GLOBAL TRADE AND LOCAL PROSPERITY

2 mins

Steeped in Legacy, Brewed for the Future: Browns Plantations Sets the Global Benchmark for Ceylon Tea

For over 150 years, Browns Plantations has stood as a proud sentinel of Sri Lanka’s legendary tea heritage. As the world’s leading exporter and producer of Ceylon Tea, the company continues to innovate while staying rooted in tradition. In this exclusive media interview with Wijeya newspaper, Ashan Fernando, Head of Marketing at Browns Plantations, shares bold insights on their strategy, sustainability efforts, market expansion, and what’s brewing next.

7 mins

Tea industry in 10 of 2025: An overview

The Sri Lankan tea industry saw an increase in production and exports but recorded a drop in the National Average price for the period from January to March 2025, compared to the same period in 2024.

3 mins

Unlocking future of Sri Lanka's tea sector through regenerative agriculture

As global agriculture faces mounting pressure to adapt to climate change, consumer expectations, and stricter sustainability regulations, Sri Lanka's iconic tea industry finds itself at a critical juncture.

3 mins

Elpitiya Plantations PLC makes strides in the Value Added Product Segment

Ipitiya Plantations PLC (EPP) is one of the Sri Lanka's leading Regional Plantation Companies, cultivating Tea, Rubber, Oil Palm and other crops in estates spanning to all 03 elevations in the Island, namely High Grown, Mid Grown and Low Grown.

2 mins

CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL TEA DAY

Tea holds a significant place in our world as the most consumed beverage after water. International Tea Day, observed annually on May 21st, was established by the United Nations through a resolution adopted on December 21, 2019. This day serves to highlight the rich history and profound cultural and economic impact of tea globally. The aim is to encourage collective efforts towards sustainable tea production and consumption while raising awareness of its role in combating hunger and poverty. Additionally, it emphasises the importance of tea in rural development and sustainable livelihoods, aligning with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.